Five Tips For Tackling Your Attic Spring Cleaning

The spring season is finally here on the east coast and we are not complaining! Warmer weather and sunnier days are returning once more and we are excited about the change. While you get ready for the busy season ahead, now is also a good time to think about tackling those spring cleaning tasks that you have been meaning to get done. 

A good deep cleaning of your home every spring can help alert you to any emerging issues while also allowing you to declutter after each winter season. As you make your way through your home, don’t forget about spending some time freshening up your attic space. Whether or not you think about your attic very often, it actually plays a big role in your home’s comfort and efficiency.

Five Tips For Tackling Your Attic Spring Cleaning

Table of Contents

Getting Started

Even if you only ever think of your attic when you need to go up there to grab an old box or your holiday decorations, it is still working quietly behind the scenes to help circulate the air in your home. If you tend to leave your attic cluttered or if you haven’t dusted up there in years, it may be time to take a look.

As you make your way up to your attic space, use caution and wear the proper safety gear. Wear a dust mask to help protect your nose and mouth, and consider wearing long pants and sturdy shoes. Attic spaces are prone to unsteady floors and hazards like loose or protruding nails, so the more protection, the better. 

1. Remove and Organize 

Depending on how long you have been in your home, you may have a lot of stuff in your attic. In order to know what to keep and what to toss, you have to go through it all! Take out the bulky items first and then start to organize the boxes into categories. Bring a couple of totes or laundry baskets up with you to help stay organized. 

2. Keep Vs. Toss  

If you use your attic for storage, chances are that you have kept those possessions up there for a reason. Whether it be a useful item that you haven’t needed in a while or something sentimental, it can be hard to let things go. However, not everything should be kept. 

Items To Get Rid Of 

  • Possessions that are broken or damaged beyond repair
  • Anything that is wet or musty
  • Items that are visibly moldy 
  • Sentimental items or belongings that no longer have value to you

     

After you have organized your space and determined what you are going to keep, now it is time to go through your possessions. Unpack your boxes carefully and decide what should be kept and what should be donated. 

Re-organize the items you are keeping into the boxes and bins that are going back up. Keep in mind, however, that your attic space is not the perfect storage solution for all of your belongings. 

Attics can be really hot in the summer and really cold in the winter, and that drastic temperature change can be hard on fragile materials like fabric, fur, paper documents, and photographs. Over time, any lingering moisture in your attic space can degrade these items and even spark a mold infestation. Try to find a place for these fragile items somewhere in your living space instead.  

3. Attic Spring Cleaning From Top to Bottom

Attic Spring Cleaning From Top to Bottom

Your boxes and bins are organized, so now it is time to start deep cleaning. Attics tend to get really dusty, and poor ventilation issues can only make it worse. Keep your dust mask securely on your face and start from the top of your attic and work your way down.

Use a vacuum, duster, or broom to knock down the dust from the ceiling and the eaves and then work your way down the walls and onto the floor. A damp rag can help clean up the finer dust particles once the bulk of the dust has been removed. 

4. Check For Leaks and Pests

Your roof is the first line of defense when it comes to the elements, which means that it is only natural to experience issues from time to time. Water can easily sneak under your shingles during a strong storm or the tiniest of cracks along your roofline can become a doorway for a neighborhood squirrel family

Do a once-over of your attic space before putting the boxes back. Check for signs of water damage like moisture stains, visible water droplets, mildew or even an unpleasant odor. Mold often smells musty or earthy, so follow your nose to track down the source if you are concerned about a potential mold issue. 

Rodents and other pests can also wreak havoc on your attic space and your insulation specifically. Even a single squirrel or raccoon can chew through important wires or ruin your insulation by making a bed out of it. 

Signs of a Rodent Issue

  • Sounds of scurrying or scratching
  • Electrical issues throughout your house
  • Unpleasant smells in the attic
  • Droppings or signs of a nest 

5. Address Attic Insulation Issues

Address Attic Insulation Issues

If you discover a potential infestation in your attic, chances are that your insulation needs to be addressed. Rodents and insects can quickly compromise your insulation and can even render it ineffective. Once you have discovered the unwanted guests, give us a call!

 

Our team will start by removing the pest(s) and then will rodent-proof your attic to keep them out for good. After that, we will expertly remove the damaged insulation material and replace it with fresh insulation right away.

We have the right tools and safety gear to stay protected while we work, so leave it to us! After we are finished, you will be free to put your possessions and boxes back into place and enjoy a cleaner, healthier home all season long.

Worried about your attic insulation or need an attic cleaner in the Eastern Pennsylvania or New Jersey area? Give Master Attic, LLC a call today! Our team will expertly handle your attic insulation removal and replacement needs. 

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